My life matters

A learner at our school Dimpho Moetsi committed suicide on 28 May 2017. Now we want people to sign the petition to pledge to not commit suicide and get help if they need it. According to WHO, a suicide occurs every 40 seconds and an attempt is made every 3 seconds

In South African, hanging is the most frequently employed method of suicide, followed by shooting, gasing and burning

Risk factors for suicide among the young include the presence of mental illness- especially depression , conduct disorder, alcohol and drug abuse; previous suicide attempts ; and the availability of firearms in the home. In South Africa 60% of people who commit suicide are depressed

In South Africa the average suicide is 17.2 per 100 000 (8% of all deaths). This relates only to deaths reported by academic hospitals. The real figure is higher

“Suicide shouldn’t be a secret”

“We cannot measure the value of life cut short by suicide. We cannot calculate the impact a person might have had on the world around them or on the people whose lives they may have touched. But through a partnership between survivors, business and community leaders, scientists and dedicated individuals we can vanish this needless tragedy”

I am signing this petition and pledging that I will not commit suicide. If I am depressed of have any suicidal tendencies I pledge to get help. I know my life matters and it is ok to ask for help.